-by Michael Allen
Dear AVM Family and Friends,
I pray that all of you experienced a Merry Christmas and are praying for a Happy New Year! With so much uncertainty coming out of 2020 and 2021, God was again at work in and through our ministry in 2022. The author of Hebrews writes, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (10:24,25) That “Day approaching” is the Day of the Lord. We do not know when that day is, but we can be certain that we are another year closer to it coming to pass. The writer says to encourage each other more as we “see” that day coming. With the state of the world today, we can clearly “see” that Jesus is coming soon. And should He tarry, that gives us more time and opportunity to share the Good News of salvation with those who are perishing. I encourage and invite you to pray for, give to, and go on the River. We do not know what obstacles and challenges 2023 will bring, but we do know that our God is bigger than anything that comes our way.
Here are some of the highlights of what God has accomplished in and through our ministry over the last 12 months:
Pastor Eli & Silvana
Supply the River
In response to food scarcity caused by lockdowns, AVM’s in-country staff and partners completed three Supply the River trips this year funded by our generous donors.
Each trip provided a week’s worth of food for 300 families and, most importantly, the gospel message was presented to all.
The 1st trip was at Easter time and included over 600 bags of candy.
The 3rd trip was a special Christmas edition and we distributed 1200 toy bags for children! Click here to watch a brand-new video of the Christmas trip.
In total, AVM brought the love of Christ through Supply the River in 2022 to nearly 6000 people! Praise the Lord!
Teams on the River
One Chapel. They were the first U.S. based team to return to the River in 2021 and they were the first team to return again in 2022! Led by Richard and Christi Jennings, this team also had a Brazilian dentist join and over 100 patients were treated through their dental clinic! The team also participated in 5 church services, discipleship training, and conducted VBS every day with an average attendance of 40 children. We pray that God will continue to open new doors to reach indigenous tribes with the gospel and that this team’s efforts in 2023 are blessed.
Westside Baptist Church. Trip leader, James Nichols, and long-time AVM supporter, Allison Crepeau, joined AVM’s in-country staff and traveled to the West Amazon Basin to support the Christmas Supply the River Trip. The team was able to visit 9 villages and it was a special time, indeed. See a short clip of them here.
Conferences
AVM was invited to the 2nd annual missions conference at Cultivate Church in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a blessing to see this event grow since last year and we look forward to seeing what God will accomplish during Cultivate’s first trip with AVM in Spring 2023.
Our ministry was also represented at the Baptist College of Florida’s 3-day mission conference.
New Partnerships
As we look toward the future of our ministry, AVM trusts that God will supply our every need.
Financial: Our fundraising goal for 2023 is $100,000. These funds will support (1) seven Supply the River Trips, (2) expansion of our staff in Brazil, (3) improvements to infrastructure and communications, (4) new programming for ministry opportunities and (5) on-going operational expenses. Please consider a one-time gift to support this campaign or becoming a monthly giving partner in the New Year. No amount is too small or insignificant to Kingdom work. Please click here to give now or visit our website: https://www.amazonvisionministries.org.
Prayer: As we continue to build teams for 2023, please pray that God would call strong leaders to serve on the River and that teams are formed, solidified, and sent! We look forward to seeing how God blesses our efforts as more teams return to the River. Please also pray for the Board as we seek God’s continued direction for the future.There is much work to do!
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and a willingness to “go and make disciples”. In 2020 and 2021, lockdowns and closures were replaced with mandates and restrictions, however, in 2022, mandates and travel restrictions were lifted! Praise the Lord! In all seasons, God’s call to “go” and make disciples still stands. It is in this Commission that we experience the power of the Holy Spirit. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
If you would like more information on how to get involved, please contact me, or visit our website at https://www.amazonvisionministries.org.
May God bless you as we enter the New Year!
In His service,
Michael Allen
Director of Operations
Michael@amazonvisionministries.org
352.219.5348
